The Pilgrim Path---Acts 20: 7 – 16

On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” And when Paul had gone up and broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.

But going ahead to the ship, we set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land. And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene. And sailing from there we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos; and the day after that we went to Miletus. For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

“A DEEP SLEEP…”

---First Day People: The Followers of Jesus Christ became the people who worship on Sunday. Every Sunday is “like” Easter for Believers---we follow a Living Christ. So, Paul celebrated the Supper with these saints---and proclaimed the Word to them for a long time (he would not be among them again).

---First Casualty from Preaching: How else do you describe it? Poor Eutychus must have had a long day. Anyway---the long day of “preaching” was too much for him (and proximity to a third-floor window was no plus---he fell out). Dr. Luke tells us Eutychus was dead. That is one sure way to stop a service!

---First resurrection of a Sermon-Hearer: Paul brings Eutychus “back” from the dead---right at the scene. Thanks be to God!

---First Family Concerns: Paul rejoins the Body of Christians. They ate and conversed till daybreak. Being together “in” the Word---they then--- blessed one another for some considerable time. You must “be” intentional about joining “in” on Body life…

---First Things kept Paul going: On to Assos---note in the text, Paul was “hastening” on to Jerusalem. Why? Because of the multitudes that would gather for Pentecost. An opportunity to “speak” the Gospel to massive crowds from all over the Graeco-Roman World…

Quick thoughts on “hearing” preaching:

--Don’t sit near open windows in tall buildings when listening---especially if tired…

--Try to get rest before coming to Church---it pays…

--You are hearing God’s Word---Not a commentator on FOX or CNN…

--The Voice of the Martyrs materials remind me---that Christians in persecuted regions around the globe count it a privilege to “gather” to hear the Word (as often as possible). Sadly, many professing Christians in North America--- do not even think it is vital or necessary to gather to hear the Word…

--The Word judges us---We do not judge the Word…

--Pray for Gospel Preachers---we need it desperately…

--Pray for all hearers of the Word---the Holy Spirit will make them “ready” recipients…

--Thank God: Jesus Christ “is” The Living WORD---and HE loves to receive broken sinners!

From John Duncan: Some persons preach only doctrine; that makes people all head, which is a monster. Some preach only experience; that makes people all heart, which is a monster too. Others preach only practice; that makes people all hands and feet, which is likewise a monster. But if you preach doctrine and experience and practice, by the blessing of God, you will have head, and heart, and hands, and feet---a perfect man in Christ Jesus.

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason